These Photos Just Won The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards 2017

The simple fact that birds can fly, makes them incredibly mysterious. They are also very elusive creatures and it takes very special people to capture them on film. The British Trust for Ornithology decided they wanted to give credit to photographers from around the world who have mastered the art of photographing birds. Capturing their exquisite beauty and grace is not an easy task for even the most professional photographer.

The Bird Photographer of the Year competition first started in 2015 and literally thousands of entries flooded in the door. Andy Clements, BTO chief Executive, said their goals has been to celebrate the art of bird photography while supporting the important work being conducted by the BTO.

The cash prize is £5,000 ($6,500). This prize is awarded to the top entry while smaller amounts are given for the other award winners along with gifts of equipment and merchandise for other entries. This year’s top entry goes to Alejandro Prieto Rojas of Mexico who submitted the most capturing and stunning shot of a flamingo feeding her young.

The BTO also selected the winner and other entries to feature in their special large photo book. The 2017 edition is now available and a percentage of the profits will directly support the BTO’s bird conservation work. Scroll down a check out some of the most amazing bird photos on the planet! These birds are so incredibly beautiful they will take your breath away! Share these photos with a bird-lover you know.